Southeast Alaska: Sen. Murkowski Announces Sealaska Lands Bill Meetings - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced Friday a series of town meetings on the Sealaska lands bill to be held on Prince of Wales Island and in Southeast Alaska the week of March 8.

"These meetings will allow those most affected by the Sealaska bill to have their concerns fully heard," Murkowski said. "I'm hopeful this effort will help us improve the legislation."

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Republican Staff Director McKie Campbell proposed holding town hall meetings in order to meet with local residents as quickly as possible.

"Congressional hearings only allow a limited number of invited witnesses to speak and are very difficult to schedule on short notice," Campbell said. "It's our hope that the town hall format will allow everyone a chance to be heard."

The meetings will be video recorded and comments conveyed to members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, prior to any committee to consider changes to the bill.

Staff from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee are holding the following meetings at the request of Murkowski: - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Ketchikan: Ketchikan Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking - Acting United States Attorney Frank V. Russo announced that on February 17, 2010, Rodolfo Lastimosa, a resident of Ketchikan, Alaska, was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage to 66 months for his conviction in December 2009, of nine counts of trafficking methamphetamine in Ketchikan.

Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline imposed the sentence on Lastimosa, age 48.

According to Special Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Thoreson, who handled the sentencing phase of the case, Lastimosa conspired with Eulogio Seludo, to sell methamphetamine in Ketchikan. The conspiracy encompassed activities such as hand-to-hand sales of methamphetamine, as well as the sending and accepting of parcels containing methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Beistline stated the evidence against Lastimosa at trial was overwhelming and that Lastimosa did a disservice to Ketchikan by introducing methamphetamine into the community. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Fish Factor: Catch Share Programs; Marine Spatial Planning; Steller Sea Lions & Herring haul By LAINE WELCH - Many of the big decisions that affect our fishing industry are made by people who are far away and have never set foot in Alaska. The following are a few that fishing-dependent families and communities should have on their radars.

Catch share programs have become the preferred method for managing U.S. fisheries, and federal managers are offering incentives for regions to adopt the plan.

"Business as usual with our traditional management tools is not accomplishing what we need," said Dr. Lubchenco, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, speaking at a press conference. "And we find the science compelling that catch shares help restore the health of ecosystems and get fisheries on a path to profitability and sustainability."

Catch shares is a term usually applied to programs that divide up fish resources among historical participants, but it also encompasses fishing co-operatives, sector splits and other hybrids. So far 13 U.S. fisheries operate under catch share programs, including Alaska halibut, sablefish and Bering Sea crab.

It is important to know that catch share programs will not be a mandate, or "shoved down people's throats." Rather, the government is offering incentives for areas that want them, and the programs will be developed by regional management councils.

"There is quite a bit of money in the FY 2011 budget to develop catch share programs. The councils that want to do so will have staff and funding to do so. No one is being forced to do it," said Arne Fuglvog, fisheries aide to Sen. Lisa Murkowski, during a visit to Kodiak last week.

He added that programs in Alaska have built in flexibility, and in the case of halibut and sablefish, have been amended over 20 times.

"The council process is very responsive, and catch shares allow you to have that kind of flexibility," Fuglvog said.

There are bigger things to worry about than doling out the fish, said U.S. Representative Don Young.

"You have a large segment of our society, mostly urban oriented, that doesn't believe you should be catching any fish at all. If you think you've got a problem now, wait till NOAA starts farming fish off the coast of Alaska," Young said on APRN's Talk of Alaska. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Alaska Science: "Apun" is a celebration of snow By NED ROZELL - Born in Florida and raised in New Mexico, Matthew Sturm somehow became an expert on snow. During the past 30 years, he has traveled thousands of miles on the substance, counted how many grains it takes to cover a football field to a depth of two feet (1 trillion), and has spent so much time lying on his side and squinting through a hand lens that he swears he has seen molecules of water moving through the snowpack.

Now, he has written and illustrated a children's book on snow.

"Apun: The Arctic Snow" and its accompanying teacher's guide are Sturm's attempt to "bring snow to the kids." He works at the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory on Fort Wainwright.

A few years ago, he rode a snowmachine from Fairbanks to Hudson Bay, studying snow along the way. While working with editors at the University of Alaska Press for a book of essays about that journey, he proposed an idea that had long tugged at his heart - a book for kids about snow, with a nod to the Inupiaq culture of northern Alaska.

"I had written so many scientific papers that got read by just a handful of experts," Sturm said. "A kid's book is going to have as much of an impact as any scholarly paper I'll write."

Text on the book's back cover suggests that Sturm wrote "Apun" (an Inupiaq word for the arctic snow cover) for third graders on up, but the book is a good use of time for anyone who wants to learn more about the amazing, ever-changing ground cover that's so much a part of northern life.

"The color of the Arctic, and a lot of the subarctic, is white," Sturm said by phone from Anchorage, where he was about to speak with a group of grade-schoolers about snow. "Snowcover is the normal state of affairs for
Alaska; (Summer) is the unusual season."

Sturm makes snow's complexities interesting. In the teacher's guide for "Apun," he describes the process of sintering, during which snow - unlike sand or any other substance somewhat like snow - magically sets up from powder to concrete slab after being disturbed. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Ketchikan & Statewide: DOT&PF Anticipates Banner Construction Year - The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) expects to bid out more than $800 million for more than 100 projects this year; a 33 percent increase from 2009.

Projects are slated for highways, bridges, safety projects, transit projects and airports.

"From Kodiak to Kotzebue, Anchorage to Allakaket and communities in between, Alaskans will be working on transportation projects this year," said Leo von Scheben, Commissioner, DOT&PF.

Last year, DOT&PF awarded almost $600 million worth of projects, a significant increase above the 2008 total of approximately $400 million. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Public Service Announcements Public Meetings & Info Alaska DOT Open House South Tongass Ferry Terminal Reconnaisance Study Open House March 9, 2010, 6-9 pm Saxman Community Hall For more information click here Ketchikan Borough Assembly Agenda and Information Packets Live video stream of current meeting Assembly Meeting Minutes Calendar Ketchikan Planning Commission Agenda, Information Packets & Minutes Ketchikan City Council Agenda & Information Packets Ketchikan School Board Agenda & Information Packets Gravina Access Project SEIS Alternatives Development Gravina Access Website Ketchikan Jobs Ketchikan Police Reports AK Troopers Daily Dispatch Today's Forecast Satellite Today's Weather Images Marine Forecasts AK Weathercams Ketchikan Weather Data Current AK Weather Map CLASSIFIEDS Publish Publish Your Ad Click Here CLASSIFIEDS' CATEGORIES Announcements and       Help Wanted For Sale / Free Stuff Garage Sales Homes / Apts/ Property Pets Wanted Lost & Found Publish Your Ad Front Page Archives January - Feb. 2010 S M T W T F S           01 02 03 04 05 06 07  08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 More Front Page Archives

SB 881: No Lands Bill Meeting for Ketchikan By Johnnie Laird - I was surprised to read the schedule of meetings about SB 881 being arranged by Senator Murkowski's staff do not include Ketchikan. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Indoor Sports Facility By Jeff Carson - You may have noticed a petition going around town that asks for your support in urging the Borough to help a local group remodel the veneer building into an indoor turf field facility. This letter is to answer the questions that have come about because of this petition. First of all, the plan is to install a 250' by 100' sport turf field that would run from the south wall of the building 250 feet to the north. Currently in Ketchikan there are 2,241 kids who participate in Little League baseball, youth softball, youth soccer, wrestling, dribblers league, gymnastics, Kayhi baseball, softball & soccer & youth football. All of these kids would benefit from this facility, especially in the Winter months. That doesn't include adult soccer, baseball & softball leagues that could benefit from a field like this. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Congressional Reform Act of 2010 By A.M. (Al) Johnson - The following caught my attention while studied current events surrounding the arrogance of our Congress in addressing many important issues of the day relating directly to our well being. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Brief Letter of Thanks By Jeff Hendrickson - This brief letter is just to say thanks to Kris W. I too am tired of reading the "childish bantor" and business bashing that happens regularly by Mr. Hanger. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

KPU Telecommunications: Why Sell? By Karl Amylon, On Behalf of the Ketchikan City Council - On April 6th 2010, a special election will ask voters to vote 'Yes' or 'No', regarding authorizing the City to negotiate a sale of the KPU Telecommunications Division. The Ketchikan City Council recommends a 'Yes' vote. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

S 881: A BAD HISTORY FOR A BAD BILL By Alan Stein - If S 881 passes out of a US Senate committee next month, Southeast Alaska and the nation will be worse off. Here is an untold story behind the legislation. 

Back in 1977, Sealaska got Congress to change ANCSA, then six years old. The amendment required Governor Hammond to consent to the transfer of 76,600 acres in Yakutat, and others in Saxman. Also removed from were Sealaska lands around Angoon. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re: Wake up parents By Lori Headley - In defense of the parent outside with the toddler in the diaper, perhaps this mother was advised to do so by the family doctor because the toddler was having dangerously high fevers that were throwing the child into seizures even after having the kiddie cocktail. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

More pressing issues By Kris Williams - Mr. Hanger is very quick and obviously a very educated man, and with that being said what he lacks is some common sense. In a town the size of Ketchikan a public bashing of another business or another resident is just uncouth. Voicing your opinion about a personal experience with a product or service is one thing, and I've had issues with my phone line not working for the last six months and can't get a repair man; but bad mouthing other tax preparers, or for that matter another citizen, well that's just not classy. I've lived here my whole life and people here have more respect, and values than Mr. Hanger has shown on this discussion forum. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re: The real issue By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger, you are a real piece of work. Nothing you said in your response of 2-25 is true. I don't think you are a lowlife, I just think you should pay your bills. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Sealaska Land Bill: Single Interest Proposal By Sandy Powers - The opening paragraph of Mr. McNeil's letter clearly sets the tone for the Sealaska/ congressional delegation's attitude toward the rest of us who do NOT stand to benefit from Sealaska land bill S881. To state, "The Tongass National Forest is a Native Place" clearly implies that those of us who are non-natives do not belong here, should not have a say, and our opinions are dismissible. As far as this land bill "enabl(ing) the government to complete the contract that it made with Sealaska and other Alaska Natives when it enacted ANCSA in 1971", one of the biggest issues is that the public lands they are now trying to take WERE NOT a part of the "contract"! These are public lands we have, as individuals, communities, and taxpayers to the federal government poured years and money into roading and managing, and built our very livelihoods around. Surprise! These value-added, roaded, multiple-use, highly used public areas are now the very areas they want to grab. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska Bill S-881 By Judy Magnuson - While trying to maintain the image of environmental responsibility Mr. McNeil ignores the facts that 71% of Sealaskas enterprise areas on North Prince of Wales Island and Kosciusko are on Karst, currently protected by the Federal Cave Resource Protection Act. This Act which directs Federal land managers to secure, protect and preserve significant caves on Federal land for the perpetual use, enjoyment and benefit of all people. To protect the caves one must also protect the karst system as a whole. The conveyance of karst to a private entity so that they may destroy it violates the FCRPA. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

The real issue By David G. Hanger - People whose stock in trade is porcelain and glass should not be throwing stones, Paul Jarvi. Your presentation reminds me of those Pipster cons of about five years ago, those who knew it was a fraud and were gaming it for their own profit, thus used a variety of diversionary tactics to try to distract others from the fact that the whole thing was just a massive half-billion dollar Ponzi scam. OK, we now understand clearly you believe that anyone who gets behind on their bills for even five minutes, whatever the reason, is a lowlife. I rather imagine there are now a bunch of lowlifes out there who won't be doing business any time soon with you, either. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Competition is good By Marilyn Catron - I would like to commend Mr. Hanger for standing up for himself after receiving such "Bad Person" services from a KPU employee. Most people would just complain about it for a little while and just let them get away with what they did even if friends prod them to do something about it. That is why people who abuse their positions continue to get away with treating people so badly. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Wearable Arts Show By Kathy Flora - Thank you Kathleen Light, Ann Froeschle, and Anita Maxwell for another exceptional, and seamless production of Ketchikan's Wearable Arts Show. Thank you backstage managers, front of the house, and Cape Fox staff. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Kayhi's Art Honor Society By Bobbie McCreary - Thank you for sharing the story of the Art Honor Society decorating for the Schoenbar Dance. This is the most awesome way of mentoring younger students coming behind the high school students and showing them and their teachers and their parents and families what time well spent with energy and talent can produce! - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Preserve Bell Island!! By Carrie Lawrenson - I have lived in Alaska all my life. I was born in Fairbanks and lived in southeast all of my life. My family always had an airplane, and I have some of the best memories flying in to Bell Island Hot Springs. After beach combing or just lake hopping, we would stop at Bell Island so I could swim. Some of the time mom and dad would join me, but it was just the best treat a kid could have. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

RE: Wake up parents By Charlanen Thomas - While I tend to agree with you regarding smaller children not being dressed appropriately, I still find the need to point something out. I have four children, all of which never wear their coats. Yes, I buy coats for my children every year, sometimes more than one. Yes, I make sure they have them on when they head to school. Yes, I remind then constanly to put on their coats. However, once they leave my sight, the coats come off and go straight into the backpacks! I can't even count how many times I've been told, "Mom I left my coat in the car", or "Mom I left my coat at school" (three hours after school is closed). - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Response to "Wake up parents" By J. Smith - In response to your letter about the teens in this town not wearing a jacket... Have you ever tried to "make" a teenager wear something??? - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska land bill: Time to work together By Chris E. McNeil, Jr. - The Tongass National Forest is a Native Place. Southeast Natives gave up claims to over 17 million acres of land for approximately 375,000 acres. From less than one-half of one percent of all lands conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Sealaska has shared over $300 million dollars with other Alaska Natives under Section 7(i) revenue sharing. The Sealaska land legislation S. 881 and H.R. 2099, currently before the U.S. Congress, enables the government to complete the contract that it made with Sealaska and other Alaska Natives when it enacted ANCSA in 1971. - More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Where's Lisa? By Bob Claus - In October, 2009, I had the opportunity to testify in front of the US Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests about Senate Bill 881, the Sealaska land transfer bill. Senators Murkowski and Begich were there, as were other members of the committee. This makes me the only person from Prince of Wales Island to have had an opportunity to speak directly to the decision makers in an official setting. This is not fair to those who wish to express their own opinions about this legislation. - More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Crossing Guards By Tracy Mettler - If you believe that the downtown crossing guards should should wear a uniform, or at the very least, have a dress code this season (and seasons to come...) please follow the link below to the Mayor and Council pages and let your elected representatives know. - More...
Monday PM - February 23, 2010

Drug testing By Kay Taylor - I agree with the opinion letter by Jose Garcia. Since drinking and boating is not allowed by Coast Guard directive, why doesn't the city require drug testing for new hires and applicants as well as current employees? They are on duty in the harbor and are responsible for our safety. Why they are exempt and the operators of boats are not flies in the face of discrimination. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

An Open Letter to Senator Bingaman: Sealaska Land Grab By Myla Poelstra - Can you hear the growing chorus of voices sounding the alarm throughout all of Southeast Alaska? One by one over the last few days, city after city within the Alexander Archipelago, and nearly every town in between, have come forward with formal resolutions of opposition or requests for formal congressional hearings. What would make so many different and diverse communities cry out for justice and fair consideration? Something really wrong is happening in Southeast Alaska. That something is a bill known locally as the "Sealaska Land Grab". S.881 ­ Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act has been wrapped in a well designed package that looks and sounds very good, but what's inside is greed and total disregard for everyone but themselves. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Open Letter to Senator Lisa Murkowski: Sealaska Land Grab Bill By Myla Poelstra - We read your latest news release this morning in the Juneau Empire, "Public Hearings in Southeast region to begin in early March". Everyone is once again disappointed by what appears to be stubborn indifference to formally addressing our concerns. We have been writing letters since 2003 when you introduced S.1466 - The Land Transfer Acceleration Act. Sealaska had already made their out - of - withdrawal area selections on N. Prince of Wales at that time. Over seven years and several different attempts at legislation, and they have never really adjusted their proposed selections. You have left us to feel there has been an extensive effort of stonewalling against the legitimate concerns of the people living in these areas. Evidently we do not have the deep pockets that it must take to gain your support. If this letter sounds angry and cynical, its supposed to. Your deliberate remarks designed for deflection are easily picked up on. People living remote are not as intellectually challenged as you might think. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Request for information By Lauren Stevens - My name is Lauren Stevens. I am a fourth grade student at Evansville Day School. I am doing a state report on Alaska. The reason why I wanted to do Alaska is because I wanted to learn as much as I can about the animals because I want to be a vet. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

KPU SALE ADVERTISING BUDGET By Pete Ellis - Further to Edwardson's commentary on the approved budget for the KPU Sale Election referendum did not the City Council action really result in a budget that should be divided equally between those in favor and those opposed? - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Sealaska Landless Communities By Vernon Grant - In my last letter for public interest, on November 16th 2009, I had voiced my personal opinion about how Sealaska has not addressed the landless issues of the 5 communities, that were left out of the original ANCSA of 1970's. But have you noticed the Sealaska website headlines: "Haa Aaní Legislation" you would think that what they were speaking about is the final act of the ANCSA to finalize the whole bill as promised!  - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

DO NOT ALLOW The Sealaska Bill out of Committee By Myla Poelstra - S.881, the Sealaska land grab bill, should die in committee. Sealaska's selections should only occur within the area specified by ANCSA in 1971.- More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thank You Ketchikan & Metlakatla By Blanche Dilleshaw - I would like to give a huge heartfelt thank you to the family and friends for the seafood fundraiser held in Metlakatla. Ý A lot of work went into it.Ý I heard the food was awesome!!Ý I do wish I could have been there. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thomas Jefferson By A.M.Johnson - From all reflections of current community, National and local awareness, it seems the history of the greatness of America from its founding days is not taught in a manner that is retained by students of public education. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Are the Ports & Harbors exempted from drug test for applicants as Ports Security Officers? By Jose S. Garcia - In my recent stint as Port Security Officer for the year 2008, the interview and CPR/First Aid Training was done in conjunction to what protocol has agenda'd. Nevertheless, there were no drug tests applied or even mandated to by the hiring personnel of the Ports and Harbors having to note that these hired personnel reflects being a model ports officer in the City of Ketchikan. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Kayhi's National Art's Honor Society By Frankie Urquhart - I want to acknowledge the wonderful students who are a part of Ketchikan High School's National Art's Honor Society. These students, led by Jeanette Sweetman, did an amazing job decorating the Schoenbar Valentine's Dance last Friday. This group of students worked for hours after school everyday and put in 20+ hours building pieces of art for the dance. They crafted a very impressive Eiffel Tour that became the center piece for our dance. They also built a heart shaped frame that students were able to stand in front of to take pictures with their friends, and a few other wonderful banners. These students did all of this on their own time, and the day of the dance actually came and set up for 4 hours before the dance. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Bell Island Hot Springs By Kara Steele - I was just on Facebook, and one of our classmates has discovered a horrible end that no one expected at Bell Island. If anyone remembers this precious site, the hot springs pool and cabins were all the rave! Now, the pool has been left unattended for who knows how long, critters and moss have taken over the inside, the boardwalks to everything are falling down, the cabins are gone, and apparently the lodge has had a major cave in with the roof some years ago. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

RE: KPU By Barbara Dupea - The last time I checked there aren't many businesses in this world that give service away for free, including First City Tax. I suspect that's why Mr. Hanger has remained in business for as long as he has. Just pay your bills on time, seems pretty simple to me. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

RE: KPU By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger, pay your bills. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Create and Keep Jobs in U.S. By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama is promoting a new $300 billion economic stimulus program. When he took office in January 2009 he said the $787 billion stimulus program will CREATE 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010 and unemployment will remain below 8.0%. Unemployment is hovering around 10.0%, and the jobs promised by Obama might hit 1.5 million by the end of 2010, but during the last 13 months we lost 5 million jobs. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Wake up parents! By Spring McCurry - I don't understand what I have been seeing this winter or any winter for that matter. On my way into work I see high school students walking to school with NO jacket! I see middle and elementary aged students waiting at the bus stop or walking to school with NO jacket! It's raining and windy out, but these kids don't have a jacket on. Why is that? As I drive through town I notice the kids that are walking with their parents, parents have a jacket on, but not the kids. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Doggie Dems By Kara Steele - I almost fell outta my seat reading this one! LOL Good job on the letter! Yes I must admit, I believe my dog too, is a Democrat....she sleeps all the time, eats, I feed her, bathe her, take her to the doctor....all she has to do, is be here when I get home! - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

DOG POO/WARD LAKE By Kathryn Smith - I PICKED UP AFTER YOUR DOG THE OTHER DAY. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

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